Distribution of Beetle Species as Environmental Indicators in the Miryang Wildfire-Affected Area, South Korea

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of wildfires on forest ecosystems by examining beetles, which are environmental indicator species. Beetles were surveyed in the wildfire-affected areas of Miryang-si, South Korea, from July 2022 to October 2024 using pitfall traps, net sweeping, and direct collection methods. In 2022, 483 beetles from 15 species across eight families, yielding diversity, evenness, and dominance indices of 1.096, 0.931, and 0.091, respectively. By 2023, 1,176 individuals were recorded from 35 species across 15 families, yielding diversity, evenness, and dominance indices of 1.406, 0.911, and 0.046, respectively. In 2024, 1,038 individuals will be recorded from 33 species across 14 families, yielding diversity, evenness, and dominance indices of 1.400, 0.922, and 0.039, respectively. The similarity index between 2022 and 2023 is 52%, that between 2022 and 2024 is 50%, and that between 2023 and 2024 is 88%. The two-banded ground beetle (Macrochlaenites naeviger) had the largest number of individuals (219), followed by the flower chafer beetle (Gametis jucunda) (184), the variegated cutworm weevil (Sitona aberrans) (175), the bean leaf beetle (Popillia mutans) (172), the small ground beetle (Hemicarabus tuberculosus) (141), and the pine sawyer beetle (Rhagium inquisitor) (137). Correlation analysis of the common species at each survey site revealed a strong positive correlation (r=1.000) between hongdan (Coptolabrus smaragdinus) and the two-banded ground beetle species. A strong negative correlation (r=-1.000) was observed between the Chinese ground beetle (Nebria chinensis) and the three-spotted leaf beetle (Paridea angulicollis). A strong positive correlation (r=1.000) was also observed between the pairs of pine sawyers and broad-bodied carrion beetles (Eusilpha jakowlewi) and the seven-spotted ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata) and black pine weevil (Niphades verrucosus).